PORTHCAWL: Parents secure 106-year lease for former St Clare’s site, new school to open

The move comes after the shock closure of St Clare’s School, which left many local families in limbo. Now, the St Clare’s Independent School Trust (SCIST), a group of dedicated parents, has stepped in to ensure the site’s 87-year educational legacy continues.

‘Phoenix from the Ashes’: New Chapter for Porthcawl Education

The transfer of the long-term lease from previous operator Cognita marks a significant victory for the community. Clare House School Porthcawl is set to open in September 2026, initially welcoming children aged 3–11 (Early Years to Year 6) and creating up to 120 new school places.

Crucially, the new school will operate as a not-for-profit independent school, with 100% of fees reinvested directly into the educational experience, facilities, and staff. This model aims to provide long-term stability and a focus on student well-being over shareholder profits.

Experienced Leader Appointed

SCIST has also announced the appointment of Sally Davis as Executive Head of Clare House School. Ms. Davis brings over 33 years of experience in independent education, including 17 years as Head of School at the highly respected Howell’s School Llandaff.

Sally Davis said:

“I am delighted to be appointed Executive Head of Clare House School and to lead the school into its future. What transforms a child’s experience is excellent teaching, strong relationships and a community that believes in them. Clare House School will offer all three from day one.”

Rachael Harman, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added:

“Securing the commitment to obtain ownership of the 106-year lease for the former St Clare’s School Site and appointing our Executive Head are two defining milestones. Sally’s experience, warmth and ambition make her an exceptional leader for Clare House School. Together, we are creating a forward-looking, inclusive school that offers choice for families and opportunities for children to thrive.”

What Happens Next?

Clare House School will be officially introduced to families and the wider community at a launch event in early March. Admissions will open in March 2026, with early interest encouraged due to expected high demand for Early Years and lower school places.

Further information and registration can be found at clarehouseschool.org.

Closure of St Clare’s school ‘a surprise to us all’ says council

Owners Cognita UK confirmed earlier this week that they are proposing to close St Clare’s school down and will cease providing services by the end of December 2025.

Cognita has also confirmed the closure of its other Welsh school, Oakleigh House in Swansea.

The shock closure announcements comes as the schools owners blame declining pupil numbers and escalating costs, particularly as a result of the Government’s VAT changes to fee paying schools and rises to employers’ National Insurance contributions

Councillor Martyn Jones, Bridgend Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said: “Bridgend County Borough Council was notified that St Clare’s School would be closing at the end of the autumn term on the same day that parents, pupils and the media were informed, so the announcement has come as a surprise to us all.

“As such, no meetings or discussions about the closure were able to take place between the owners and the local authority prior to the announcement being made.

“At this very early stage, it is difficult to know what the likely impact of the closure will be, but our understanding is that around 190 pupils attend the school.

“Not all of the pupils who currently attend St Clare’s School will live within Bridgend County Borough, so we need to ascertain how many are likely to seek alternative educational provision which is located closer to home.

“As we are still gathering information, it is difficult to predict what the likely impact of the closure will be, but the council is currently seeking up-to-date details from the school so that we can provide affected parents and pupils with appropriate advice, support and reassurance.”

A spokesperson for Cognita said: “We recently shared some difficult news with our community at St Clare’s regarding the future of the school.

“The impact of a number of factors outside of our control, including the falling birth rate and the decrease in demand for school places, means our pupil numbers are forecast to drop to an unsustainable level next year, which sadly means we have to propose closure.

“Our priority is our families, students and staff, and we will continue to do everything we can to support them through this proposal process.”

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